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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Art & Antiques

Nantucket House Tour | Chic on the Cliff
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Nantucket, Travel

Nantucket House Tour | Chic on the Cliff

Nantucket is a small island full of big world connections. Earlier this summer, I was delighted to meet Cynthia Everets through… Read More

At Home with Susanna Salk and Timothy Corrigan in Los Angeles
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

At Home with Susanna Salk and Timothy Corrigan in Los Angeles

When visiting Timothy Corrigan in Los Angeles, you are greeted with the same sense of comfort and elegance that is evident in all… Read More

Sotheby’s Auction of a Distinguished Estate
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Sotheby’s Auction of a Distinguished Estate

While it would be impossible to top the enormity and stellar selections of the milestone Bunny Mellon sale last fall, an upcoming Sotheby’s auction… Read More

Shopping Nantucket | Atlantic
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Interior design, Nantucket, Travel

Shopping Nantucket | Atlantic

Shopping Nantucket offers a plethora of tempting picks and Atlantic, in their spacious new spot on Federal Street, should most definitely be… Read More

Antiques & Design Show of Nantucket 2015
Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

Antiques & Design Show of Nantucket 2015

Benefitting the worthy Nantucket Historical Association, the Antiques & Design Show of Nantucket is always an August highlight on island. With… Read More

Bringing the World Home
Art & Antiques, Interior design, Nantucket, Travel

Bringing the World Home

Monday I head back to Nantucket for a big week of design. The annual Antiques & Design Show starts on… Read More

bohemiachic at Privet Lives
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Jewelry

bohemiachic at Privet Lives

When at the Day of Design at the Mayflower Grace last month, fellow speaker Kathy McCarver Root sported a fantastic necklace… Read More

Summer Inspiration
Art & Antiques, Garden, Interior design, Travel

Summer Inspiration

It was a rather rude awakening to return home from the cool crisp Maine air to the sweltering heat and… Read More

Shopping the Wharf on Nantucket | SPACE and Scrub Oak
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Gifts, Nantucket, Travel

Shopping the Wharf on Nantucket | SPACE and Scrub Oak

In its third year at 4 Old South Wharf, SPACE has made a name for itself sourcing stylish hand crafted, artistic… Read More

Living Large in Small Spaces | House Beautiful Sneak Peek
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design

Living Large in Small Spaces | House Beautiful Sneak Peek

Ever since I saw last year’s Designer Showhouse at Sotheby’s, I knew Max Sinsteden and Catherine Olasky of Olasky & Sinsteden were… Read More

If You’re Heading to London
Art & Antiques, Travel

If You’re Heading to London

This summer’s theme in these parts has clearly settled on travel. Whether extended weekends or weeks long summer idyls, inspiration is everywhere. For… Read More

The Luxury Education Foundation | Ten Years of Innovative Education
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion

The Luxury Education Foundation | Ten Years of Innovative Education

Behind the appeal of many luxury brands is the artistry, craftsmanship and attention to detail that set them apart. But how, in this… Read More

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Nantucket baskets are suddenly everywhere this sum Nantucket baskets are suddenly everywhere this summer — filling Instagram feeds, appearing in the pages of The New York Times and garnering attention in publications around the world. Coveted by collectors and a whole new generation of enthusiasts, these iconic baskets are having an undeniable moment. Yet behind all the current excitement is a fascinating story of history, tradition, ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship.

Five years ago, I had the privilege of making this film with @Mary_emery_design, Director of Heritage Craft for the @nantuckethistoricalassociation , exploring the history and evolution of Nantucket lightship baskets through the people who know them best. We visited master basket makers Karl and Susan Ottison, Tim Parsons and Nap Plank, and heard about legendary maker José Reyes from his son-in-law, Maurice Gibbs. We also spent time with Nantucket scrimshander Michael Vienneau, whose work illustrates another chapter in the continuing evolution of the basket.

The film was made at the time the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum became affiliated with the Nantucket Historical Association, bringing its extraordinary collection — and the stories and traditions it represents — into the care of the NHA.

With Nantucket baskets now capturing the attention of an entirely new audience, it seemed the perfect time to revisit the film and celebrate the remarkable makers, history and craftsmanship behind this enduring Nantucket tradition.

Watch the full film at the link in bio.
August, stay a while. August, stay a while.
Charleston has a way of drawing people back again Charleston has a way of drawing people back again and again—and homes like this remind us why.
Tag along as designer @michaelmitchelldesigner welcomes us inside his gracious home, where layers of history, thoughtful collecting, and a deeply personal approach to design make every room a reflection of both its owner and the city itself.
LINK IN PROFILE.
One of my favorite things about setting a table is One of my favorite things about setting a table is that it never has to begin from scratch.

The most beautiful tables are collected over time—mixing old favorites with new discoveries, heirlooms with contemporary pieces, and the things you’ve loved for years with something that brings fresh perspective.

For this table, I’ve paired PeterDunham + Hudson Grace’s (@peterdunhamdesign @hudsongracesf ) beautiful salad and bread plates and napkins with Blue Carnation dinner plates, table linens, glassware, and flatware from my shop, alongside a few favorite pieces from my personal collection.

I hope this table is a reminder that you don’t need everything to match—or come from one place. The magic is in the mix. Every new piece should make you fall in love with the pieces you already own all over again.

That’s the joy of collecting—and the beauty of a table that reflects your own story.

Shop the table through link in profile
Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems o Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems on Nantucket for a 2 day trunk show next Thursday and Friday! If on island, do stop by! There will be many new introductions you will be the first to see!!
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